Tenerife is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, but one of the things that stood out to us most was just how varied and beautiful its beaches are. From golden sandy stretches to wild black volcanic coves, the island offers an incredible range of places to swim and relax.
During our time on Tenerife, beach days became a wonderful contrast to exploring the mountains and towns. Some spots were lively and well equipped, while others felt remote and natural.
In this guide, we are sharing the beaches and coastal spots that impressed us the most and are absolutely worth visiting while exploring Tenerife.
Playa de las Teresitas 🏝️
Near the capital of Santa Cruz, Playa de las Teresitas is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Its golden sand, brought in from the Sahara, and calm, protected water give it a relaxed, almost tropical feel. Backed by a picturesque village and mountains, it is a lovely place to spend the day.
It is a great choice for an easy, comfortable beach day.
Playa de Benijo 🌋
In the wild Anaga region, Playa de Benijo is a dramatic black sand beach surrounded by rugged cliffs and rock formations.
It feels remote and natural, especially compared to the busier resort beaches in the south. It is a spectacular place to watch the waves and enjoy the raw beauty of the coastline.
It is particularly stunning around sunset.
El Medano ☀️
El Medano is a laid back, natural beach known for its long stretch of sand and steady winds.
Popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers, it has a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere and a charming seaside town. Even if you are not into water sports, it is a lovely place to walk and soak up the vibe.
It offers a more local and authentic feel than the big resorts.
Playa Jardin 🌿
In Puerto de la Cruz, Playa Jardin is a beautiful black sand beach framed by lush, landscaped gardens.
The combination of volcanic sand, greenery and ocean views makes it one of the most attractive beaches in the north. It is a lovely place to relax in a more scenic setting.
The gardens make it feel a little more special than a typical beach.
Los Gigantes 🌅
The area around Los Gigantes is famous for its towering cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea.
The small beach with its dark sand, set against these enormous rock walls, is a striking place to swim. It is also a great spot for boat trips along the impressive coastline.
What Makes Tenerife's Beaches So Special ✨
What we loved most about Tenerife is how varied its beaches are.
Golden sand, black volcanic shores, dramatic cliffs and lively resorts all sit around the island. In a single trip you can move between relaxed beach days and wild, natural coves.
That variety is exactly what makes exploring Tenerife so enjoyable.
Make the Most of Your Beach Days 🌍
Some of the best beaches in Tenerife are easy to miss if you do not know where to go beforehand.
That is exactly why we created our Tenerife Travel Map. It includes the beaches, viewpoints, restaurants and hidden spots that truly stood out to us, all clearly organized in one easy to use digital map.
So instead of spending time searching while traveling, you can simply enjoy the very best of Tenerife from the moment you arrive.
